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WHAT YOU SHOULD DO TO PREVENT IDENTITY THEFT
Identity theft is becoming an increasingly frequent problem among people of all shapes, sizes, ages, and nationalities, who are living in locations spread across the world. The theft of one's identity is non-discriminating, as clever criminals find new and improved ways of profiting off of another's loss and misfortune.
In the end, a complete invasion of privacy often takes place, where identity thieves are able to drain entire bank accounts, steal credit card numbers, use driver's licenses to commit crimes; and steal important information from computers. To prevent identity theft, it is highly recommended to follow a few simple procedures to boost your protection level against such a widespread crime.
Identity theft criminals use a wide-range of techniques to steal private information for their own personal use and gain. One of the most talked about forms of identity theft is executed across the Internet, as individuals trick others into downloading a wide range of spyware, which is then used to transmit information stored on a computer. This may include the usernames and passwords associated with online banking accounts. With this information, a thief is then able to intercept bank transactions and steal money from unsuspecting victims.
In order to efficiently prevent identity theft, it is important for people to recognize all of the techniques a criminal may use. Some individuals steal postal correspondences and fill out credit cards under another's name. A stolen wallet also serves as the perfect gateway for thieves, as driver's licenses, credit cards, birth certificates, Social Security cards, job identification, and other photo ID are common tools of identity theft. There are even criminals who dig in dumpsters and garbage cans for discarded bank statements, credit card bills, and other identifying pieces of information.
To prevent identity theft, it is highly recommended to follow some of the suggestions listed below:
- Prevent identity theft by installing an effective anti-spyware program that creates barriers between your personal information kept on your computer and third party intrusions.
- Changing your passwords is often a good way to prevent identity theft because it is less easy for thieves to lock onto or guess frequent changes. It is also suggested not to use the same passwords. Also, it is not advised to select passwords that can be directly connected to you, such as your last name. Use passwords that contain both upper and lower case letters, as well as 1 or 2 numbers.
- It is important to quickly remove mail from the mailbox, as criminals are known to forge signatures on credit applications. If you find you have stopped receiving mail, call the post office because someone may have signed a release for the forwarding of your mail to another location.
- Over the telephone, you never know who is calling you; therefore never give your credit card number, Social Security number, or other personal information to an unsolicited caller.
- Once you are done with credit card receipts, unused loan applications, and other paperwork containing personal information, tear them up or use a shredder so thieves rummaging through the garbage are unable to retrieve personal details.
- Make it a habit to review your credit report and check for false accounts and other information. When you spot an error, you should immediately report it to the credit bureau.
- Do not delay in reporting stolen credit cards.
- You may prevent identity theft by carefully analyzing your credit card and bank statements to make sure there are no mistakes on your bills.
- When a relative passes away, it is important to properly shred unused checks and other personal documents because identity thieves also take advantage of the misfortune of the deceased. Entire accounts have been wiped out, loans taken out in their names, and new credit cards issued.
- It is important to exercise extreme caution when dealing with PIN numbers, especially those attached to ATM machines. When these numbers fall into the wrong hands, individuals are able to withdraw money without being detected. It is suggested to memorize your PIN number and when you must write it down ?never choose your card or leave the reminder in your wallet or purse. And never use your birthdate as your PIN, as that will be the first one that the thief will try.
